THE PROJECT

According to the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared by the City, the Project consists of the following:

The subdivision of two existing lots totaling 853,737 gross square feet (19.6 acres) and 830,113 net square feet (19.06 acres) currently improved with three existing buildings (one two-story, 38,420 square-foot single-family dwelling and three car garage;and oneapproximately 2,379 square foot private school with accessory living quarters) to create 13 single-family lots with private street access. The existing 38,420 square-foot single-family dwelling will remain, and the private school/accessory living quarters will be converted to a single-family residence. An additional 11 single-family dwelling units are proposed for construction for a total of 13 single-family dwellings on the project site. One private street will be accessed from McGroarty Street, and the second private street will be accessed via the intersection of McGroarty Street, McVine Avenue, and McVineTrail. The applicant is proposing 47,720 cubic yards of cut, 15,405 cubic yards of fill, and 32,315 cubic yards of export. There are 106 native protected trees and 63 non-protected mature trees on the subject site. The applicant is proposing to remove seven protected trees (six Oak and one Sycamore) and up to 63 non-protected trees. 

The Project requires multiple discretionary entitlements under the Los Angeles MunicipalCode (“LAMC”), including the following: 

• Pursuant to LAMC Sections 17.06 and 17.15, a Vesting Tentative Tract Map to subdivide two lots into 13 lots encompassing 13 single-family homes with private street access on two lots totaling 853,737 gross square feet (19.6 acres).

• Pursuant to LAMC Section 11.5.7 C, a San Gabriel/Verdugo Mountains Scenic Preservation Specific Plan Project Permit Compliance Review.

• Haul Route Approval.

State Minimum Fire Safety Regulations

In 2018, Senate Bill 901 mandated the expansion of the scope of California’s regulations regarding minimum fire safety standards to include those lands classified and designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (“VHFHSZ”), as defined in subdivision (i) of Government Code § 51177, to include Local Responsibility Areas. In other words, these regulations were extended to those portions of incorporated cities such as the City of Los Angeles that were designated as VHFHSZ. Thereafter, the Board of Forestry adopted implementing regulations. These regulations, known as the “State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations” were adopted in order to protect life and limb during wildfire events after extensive consultation with fire professionals and community members.

As explained below, the Project is located in a designated VHFHSZ, but does not comply with current state regulations. As such, the City cannot approve the requested entitlements to facilitate construction of the Project.

The Project Is Located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in a Local Responsibility Area

There can be no question that the Project is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity  Zone. This fact is documented in the City’s ZIMAS system as shown below.